Memphis Depay

Manchester United transfer news: Louis van Gaal wants Holland and PSV star Memphis Depay to lift attack

Louis van Gaal, who recruited six players and off-loaded 14 following his appointment last summer, is planning to add at least four new signings to his squad at end of season

By Mark Ogden

9:03PM BST 30 Mar 2015


Manchester United will intensify their interest in the PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay by watching the 21-year-old in action for Holland against Spain on Tuesday night.

Louis van Gaal, who recruited six players and off-loaded 14 following his appointment as United manager last summer, is planning to add at least four new signings to his squad at the end of this season.

The Mexican forward Javier Hernandez, who is on loan at Real Madrid, is set to be sold on his return to Old Trafford, despite admitting that he saw no future at the Bernabeu due to his confidence being at “rock bottom”. Depay has emerged as a potential target, however, after scoring 17 goals for the Eredivisie leaders following his return from the World Cup finals last summer.

Phillip Cocu, the PSV coach, has compared Depay to Bayern Munich’s Dutch winger Arjen Robben, and admitted last month that his club were resigned to losing the £20 million-rated young player at the end of the season. “At some point, it becomes clear that he [Depay] is ready for the next step,” Cocu said. “And yes, I think he’s going to leave PSV after this season.”

Depay, who is also being watched by Paris St-Germain, was handed his international debut aged 19 against Turkey in October 2013 by Van Gaal, who believes that the player can operate on both flanks and as a secondary striker.

While United are not planning to sell £59.7 million British record signing Ángel di María, despite the Argentine’s battle for form at Old Trafford, the likely departure of the on-loan Radamel Falcao back to his parent club, Monaco, has ensured that Van Gaal will look to bolster his attacking options in the summer.

Depay’s youth, versatility and goal return, albeit in the Dutch league, has led to his climbing United’s target list and the club will monitor him against Spain – a game which is also expected to feature the Old Trafford pair Daley Blind and David de Gea.

Van Gaal, meanwhile, is unlikely to hand Hernandez a United reprieve, even if the 26-year-old returns to the club this summer following his loan move to Real, during which he has started just one league game.

After scoring the only goal in Mexico’s 1-0 victory against Ecuador in Los Angeles at the weekend, Hernandez admitted that his time in Spain had been hugely disappointing. “My situation is frustrating,” Hernandez said. “I participate, give my all in training, but as for playing in matches, the opportunities are minimal.

“I belong to a team, but am not part of the important bit, the actual games. Sometimes my confidence is at rock bottom, even though I am trying for it to be up there, with the help of the people who are always at my side and who support me.

“The most important thing is to get chances, and to feel that they believe in you. Whenever they have entrusted me to do something it comes out positively, but I’ve been through two rather frustrating years. There need to be people who believe in me, at least so I can prove if I am any good.”

The Telegraph

Was excellent tonight against Spain, easily one of the best on the pitch but I've seen him play even better than this. Had a fantastic shot saved by big Dave and that through ball to Wijnaldum towards the end, just Been involved in both of Holland goals and should've picked an assist too.

This fella is ready for the big stage!

He looked good in the world cup despite looking very raw at the same time. He's still a little raw but has improved massively, he's been superb in Holland this year and I think he looks ready made for the premier league. Really excited of the prospect of bringing him in.

There's definitely a lot to like about him, being Dutch he's obviously technically gifted as well as having that pace and power that can help you succeed in England. He also has all the attributes that make him a match winner. He's got everything as far as I'm concerned, even if he's not yet the finished article....coming to United and working with LVG will make him fulfill his potential for me.

Or...being Dutch.....they went to watch Holland vs Spain. Good that Depay played well though, put himself firmly on the manager's radar.

Be careful what you wish for !